With so many horrible headlines making the news, it is hard not to get depressed and worried about what each day brings. It is very hard to not look on with sadness and hatred for the evil in this world. We often forget that everyone is the same, no matter their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. We are all the human race. We are all loved by the same triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are loved by God the father and God the Son, Jesus Christ.  In times like these it is so hard to remember to show the love for others around us. But the tragedies such as the senseless shootings in Las Vegas and the terrorist attack in Egypt, and the lives lost in New York City due to terrorist activities, we should all remember to stand together. We are stronger when we are all united, not divided. Let’s remember that we all are one.
The Christian artist, Mandisa, talks about the hurt, pain and revelation that we are all the same, and that we all “bleed the same”, in her song, titled “Bleed The Same.” The song talks about how we shouldn’t stand divided, but rather, we should stand united. The lyrics are as follows:
Intro: “We all bleed the same. We’re more beautiful when we come together. We all bleed the same. So, tell me why, tell me why. We’re divided. ”
First verse: Toby Mac:  “Woke up today. Another headline. Another innocent life is taken. In the name of hatred. So hard to take (hey!) And if we think that it’s all good. Then we’re mistaken. ‘Cause my heart is breaking. Mandisa:  Are you left? Are you right? Pointing fingers, taking sides. When are we gonna realize? We all bleed the same. We’re more beautiful when we come together. We all bleed the same. So, tell me why, tell me why. We’re divided. If we’re gonna fight. Let’s fight for each other. If we’re gonna shout, let love be the cry. We all bleed the same. So, tell me why, tell me why. We’re divided. ”
The lyrics of the first verse hit home. Why can’t we open our eyes, ears, minds and our hearts to see that we are all the same? Sin often blinds us to the incredible love that is burning within each and every one of us.  We are all the children of the most high and we so often fail to treat our brothers and sisters with the love, care and respect they deserve. When we get disrespected, then we often turn to anger and then turn our anger on others around us. Instead of fighting with each other, lets fight for one another. Instead of shouting in anger, lets make the cry of our hearts, love. Let’s do our best to remember how God treats us and showers us with blessings every day. Let’s try to be that light in someone else’s life.  We need to remember that love is the only way to go about our lives and to not put hatred on top anymore. Hatred won’t get us anywhere.
2nd verse: “Tell me, who are we to judge someone by the kind of clothes they’re wearing? Or the color of their skin? Are you black? (black). Are you white? (white). Aren’t we all the same inside? (the same inside). Father, open our eyes to see. Chorus: We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same). We’re more beautiful when we come together. We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same). So, tell me why, tell me why. We’re divided. If we’re gonna fight. Let’s fight for each other (fight for each other!) If we’re gonna shout, let love be the cry (be the cry!) We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same). So, tell me why, tell me why. We’re divided.”

We shouldn’t ever judge someone by the clothes they wear or by the color of their skin. Again, we get blinded by sin and focus on outward appearances when meeting people for the first time. Instead of casting judgement automatically, we have to practice holding our thoughts and our tongues back, because the tongue is like a two-edge sword. Our words can kill and really hurt others, so we must be careful of what we say. Instead of automatically casting judgement on people, we should try our best to get to know others for who they really are as people, not by what they look like, or talk like. If we judge people harshly, then God can judge us for that as well.
Bridge: “Only love can drive out all the darkness. What are we fighting for? We were made to carry one another. We were made for more. Only love can drive out all the darkness. What are we fighting for? Yeah. We were made to carry one another. We were made for more!”
The bridge speaks for itself. Love is the ultimate weapon against hatred. Even though it is difficult, try to see what others are going through, in their own eyes. We should fight for one another in the name of faith and love, instead of always fighting with one another.
Chorus: “We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same). We’re more beautiful when we come together (let’s stand united!) We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same). So, tell me why, tell me why. We’re divided. If we’re gonna fight. Let’s fight for each other (fight for each other!) If we’re gonna shout, let love be the cry (be the cry!) We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same) (bleed the same). Let’s stand united (let’s stand united). Let’s stand united!”
Kirk Franklin: “So, Father God, I pray. That our families will come together right now. And seek Your face. You will forgive our sins. And You will heal our incredible land. In the name of the only Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Lets stand united with each other and turn to love, not hate!

Listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEzCQBwQkdA